Martha Towler

For over 800 generations baskets have enriched and defined the status of human life. My baskets are a continuation of that art and heritage.

A note from Martha…
I’ve always been fascinated with baskets. Six years ago I decided to devote myself full time to the craft of basket weaving. Since I was a young girl I’ve been interested in arts and crafts and pursued a studio arts degree at the University of Central Oklahoma for two years.
I am self-taught but have studied the works of many famous and talented basket makers as well as visiting them in their studios. The basic material I use is rattan reed which is often embelished with beads or other carved natural resources like shells. My baskets are creations of my own imagination and design. I see a basket in my mind, occasionally sketch it and then weave it free hand from my own hand-dyed reed. The result is a one-of-a-kind basket as no two are ever alike.
In addition to crafting baskets, I teach basket weaving at my studio in Brevard, NC and at Brevard College. My favorite design is called a "Cathead" (see gallery pictures). When turned upside down, the feet create an appearance of a cat's head.
I am a retired businesswoman whose career consisted of sales, interior design and business ownership. During those years, I was on the board of directors af a bank and hospital and often chairman of many civic and community
organizations. My international travels have given me a broad prospective of creative work from many countries, which I tap into for many of my original designs.
The result of my work is always a Sapphire Mountain Basket "Handmade especially for you".